Argyle Socks

Originally introduced in 1949 by the President of Brooks Brothers, Argyle socks have been a popular sock variety amongst both men and women since.

Traced back to the Scots, argyle patterns are said to have been developed when Scot clansmen cut their traditional tartan plaids on the bias. This created the unique diamond "argyle" pattern.

The pattern may also date back to the people living in the county of Argyll or Argyllshire in West Central Scotland. This theory, however, is still in dispute due to the difference in spelling.

The typical argyle pattern is made up of diamonds in a diagonal checkerboard pattern. There is a further crisscross in the pattern with lines that connect the centers of the diamonds.

There have been many advances in machine knitting, which easily allow for the creation of argyle socks, however, many still enjoy hand knitting their socks. When hand knitting argyle socks, the "intarsia" technique is commonly used.

Argyle socks have come in and out of fashion throughout history and are often associated with the traditional "duffer" golf outfits that men used to wear. They are also often associated with private school uniforms and school girl knee socks.

Argyle socks are normally thought of as conservative or "preppy" though new patterns have also emerged with unusual color combinations and patterns.

Though the argyle pattern is probably the most prominent in the sock category, the pattern is also used for a variety of other items such as sweaters and vests. With many options and choices for socks, the argyle pattern has remained surprisingly popular and seems to show no signs of waning.